The stage is set for an unforgettable Jamaica Day race programme tomorrow, with the fourth staging of the Jamaica Cup, a Graded Stakes contest for three-year-olds and upward over 9 ½ furlongs (1,900m), taking center stage.

Eleven exceptional runners, including two past winners, Atomica and Further and Beyond, have entered the $6-million purse race.

They will face off against exceptional runners in Funcaandun, winner of the Gold Cup;
Run Julie Run, the 1000 Guineas winner; and Intrestntimesahead, winner of the Jamaica St Leger.

Based on current form and performance, only Further and Beyond from the mentioned runners has no chance of winning.

The Jamaica Observer’s The Supreme Racing Guide’s expert analysis predicted a thrilling showdown between Atomica, Funcaandun, Run Julie Run, and Intrestntimesahead. Funcaandun’s recent form made him the narrow favourite, but the competition was fierce.

1. D HEAD CORNERSTONE: (5 b h by Bern Identity – Soul Of The Heart) – Recent winner, but faces uphill battle to repeat.

2. RAINSVILLE: (5 gr g by Casual Trick – Fiftyshadesofray) – Has no realistic chance of winning.

3. FEARLESS SOUL: (4 ch c by Soul Warrior – Rumble) – Will struggle to keep pace.

4. ATOMICA: (5 ch m by Nuclear Wayne – Honkeytonkville) – Current two-time Horse of the Year and two-time winner of the Jamaica Cup.
Atomica has raced six times this season, winning three times, finishing second twice and third once. In her last two outings, she was beaten by Funcaandun on both occasions. Despite those two defeats, Atomica’s exceptional back class makes her a force to be reckoned with.

5. RHYTHM BUZZ: (4 b c by Buzz Nightmare – River Rhythm) – Comes into the race on the heels of four consecutive victories. While he is in top form, Rhythm Buzz is going to be outclassed here.

6. RUN JULIE RUN: ( 3 gr f by Successful Native – Runaway Julie
) – Was just beaten by Rainsville over one mile (1,600m) on October 19. However, this remarkable filly, who placed second in the Jamaica Derby, is well-suited for the distance and as such, poses a significant threat.

7. FUNCAANDUN (USA): (3 b c by Klimt – Fiftyshadesoffun) – Obviously the horse to beat here. Funcaandun was impressive in winning the Gold Cup (7 furlongs or 1400m) by three parts of a length ahead of stable companion Is That A Fact. Funcaandun should have no problem going this distance and based on his class, talent, and the will to win, he can pull off another electrifying win.

8. NEO STAR: (5 b h by Neolithic – Angel Dreams) – Can safely be bypassed here.

9. ATLANTIC CONVOY (CAN): (4 ch c by Storm Atlantic – My Sweet Emily) – Unlikely to impact.

10. INTRESTNTIMESAHEAD : (3 b c by Bold Conquest – My Friend Lucy) – Finished in eighth position by 18 lengths behind winner and stablemate Funcaandun in the Gold Cup. Intrestntimesahead’s St Leger win over 10 furlongs (2,000m) is more than capable enough to have a say in this race. In a race of this nature where speed and endurance is going to play a significant factor, Intrestntimesahead is a strong contender.

11. FURTHER AND BEYOND: (6 ch h by Blue Pepsi Lodge – Rumble) – Not the horse he once was. Further and Beyond can only be taken on trust here.